Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple at Frisco in Texas in United States is associated with Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhoota Datta Peetham of Mysuru (India). The shrine is located in a 34,000 square-foot land and the estimated cost of construction is over $11 million. Hanuman is the main deity in the shrine. Apart from this there are murtis of Ganapati, Shiva, Rajeshwari, Ram Parivar, Venkateshwara, Dattatreya, Subramanyam, Ayyappa and Nagendra. The shrine has a cultural center, multi-purpose hall, homa-kund, yoga center and six classrooms. Mahakumbabishekam was held on July 18, 2015. Murti Pratishta was held on July 23, 2015.

Artist Andrew Jones designed the portrait of Goddess Kali, which was projected on New York's Empire State Building to fight pollution and extinction of various species. The artist was sending the message that Mother Nature now more than ever needs the fierce avatar of Goddess Kali to fight the dangers of pollution and extinction. As per Hinduism, Earth is our mother. Goddess Kali is that fierce form of Mother Goddess that is beyond imagination and description. She takes this form when Adharma (evil) has completely overtaken Mother Earth. Related Goddess Kali Story Symbolism of Darkness associated with Goddess Kali Sri Ramakrishna on Goddess Kali Red Shoe Flower and Goddess Kali

Manav Mandir Temple – House of Humanity – is a new Hindu Temple at Brevard County in Florida in United States . The temple was thrown open to devotees during the second week of August 2014. The temple is located off Wickham Road at Suntree in Brevard. The $9.4 million Manav Mandir Temple has separate shrines in the complex dedicated to Ganesha, Shreenathji (Sri Krishna), Goddess Saraswati, Radha Krishna, Satyanarayan, Shiva, Mahalakshmi, Goddess Durga, Kartikeya, Rajarajeshwari, Ram Parivar, Hanuman, Shirdi Sai Baba, Bhudevi, Sridevi, Balaji and Navgrahas. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu community in Brevard County . Some information about the Manav Mandir Temple:   Total cost - $9.4 million Located on 37 acres of land All murtis (idols) worshipped in the temple are hand carved from white marble or black granite in India The temple features grand columns, intricately molded, 25-foot tall gopurams — or steeples — and other design elements ...

Sanatan Hinduism Radio in Houston in USA completed 20 years in 2014. The radio program named “Voice of Sanatan Hinduism” was started in 1994 on internet and the radio program is available every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The program attempts to make people aware of the riches of the Veda and Sanatan Dharma by sharing Vedic concepts of rituals, Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita, Vedic Music, Vedic Yoga, Vedic Meditation, Vedic Astrology and the Vedic Way of Life, popularly known as Hinduism. The radio programs are without any commercials and advertisements and are supported by donors, well-wishers and listeners. You can find more about the radio here. (the website no longer available)

Rasanath Das, an ex-investment banker, is now a Hindu Saint and was helping Occupy Wall Street protesters in meditation. So what pushed the ex-banker to take up Hindu teachings? – greed, unethical competition and remorseless methods adopted to reach the top by people in his business. He now aims to build character in managers and help avoid disastrous decisions made for short-term goals.  Reuter’s reports   "Anger won't solve anything," he told Reuters. "We have to work from the heart ... there is so much distrust now."    A native of Mumbai, Das studied at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and moved to the United States in 2000 to work as a consultant with the accounting firm Deloitte.   After earning a masters of business administration (MBA) at Cornell, he started at Bank of America in 2006.    His specialty was the technology, media and telecoms sector and he dealt in so-called structured products, including mortgage-backed securities --...

Duke University at Durham in the U.S. state of North Carolina has appointed Usha Rajagopalan as its first Hindu chaplin. Ushaji began her part-time role at Duke on August 1, 2011 and will provide guidance for the Hindu Students Association and represent the group on Duke's Faith Council and in the university's Religious Life program. The Hindu Student Association at Duke, which was founded in 1998, organizes scripture studies, Hindu festivals and Hinduism Awareness Week. Duke Today writes Usha Rajagopalan is fluent in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam, and comes to Duke with degrees from Annamalai University in India and the University of Maryland. She has been leading Hindu worship services in the Triangle area and received the 2009 Kathryn H. Wallace Award in Community Service from the Triangle Community Foundation.  "Hinduism, or Sanathana Dharma, is not a religion but a practice, a way of life," Rajagopalan said. "Deepening understanding of their inner world as the...

An unofficial Hindu census in the United States by the Santa Barbara , a California based Institute of American Religion , discovered some 1,600 temples and centers with an estimated 600,000 practicing Hindus in the United States . It is also estimated that nearly the same number of Hindus prefer personal worship, thus taking the numbers of Hindus to more than 1.2 million. You can read more about the growth of Hindu population in the United States in this article titled Hindu Americans: The Surprising, Hidden Population Trends of Hinduism in the U.S by David Briggs in the Huffington Post. Some excerpts from the article What is propelling Hinduism in the United States into a role as one of the nation's largest minority religions is a steady stream of Indian immigrants who have built hundreds of temples across the nation, according to a new study.    While there is at least one Hindu center in every state, they are largely concentrated in Indian American communities, Me...

The Newsweek cover of November 22, 2010 edition has US President Barack Obama in Nataraja pose – the cosmic dance Hindu God Shiva as Nataraja. The cosmic dance of Shiva as Nataraja represents – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, the cosmic dance symbolically represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy. It represents the Supreme Truth. The Newsweek cover page of November 22, 2010 is headlined as "God of All Things" – Why the modern presidency may be too much for one person to handle. The Newsweek cover suggests that Obama is not God Shiva to solve all issues. But it was unnecessary to bring the Nataraja symbol into American political squabbles as Nataraja Shiva Murti is worshipped by millions of people in Hindu Temples and homes.  It is the unparalleled insight of the ancient Saints of Hinduism that they were able to express the entire cycle of...

For Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll, Yoga is an agent of Hinduism and hence demonic. For R Albert Mohler Jr, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky , yoga is against Christianity. Demonic means extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell. There is no doubt that Pastor Mark Driscoll is under the grip of demon. Surely the practice of Yoga will help in removing the demon that is residing in him.  After practicing yoga, the greatest advantage for the pastor will be that he will be able to understand true teachings of Bible and Christianity. The demon in him will be annihilated through Yoga. This will make him a better Christian and a better human being. Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll, please join a yoga course – you are not alone – an estimated 15.8 million people practice yoga in the US . If you are not aware majority of them are practicing Christians and better Christians than many pastors. Times of India repo...

An Atlanta-based company has issued seven postage stamps carrying images of Sri Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Sai Baba, Muruga, Lord Venkateswara, Ganesha and Lakshmi. The company claims that they can be used as valid US postage stamps and are priced at 44 cents each, can also be bought on a commemorative sheet priced at $18.99. But the stamps do not find any mention in the official US Postal Service (USPS) catalog. Customized US Postage Stamps There is nothing new in the whole project. USPS allows people to customize stamps – print stamps with photos and images that you like as long as it is not copyrighted but after making the relevant payment to USPS. (You can find more details of customized postage service of USPS here at the official website of United States Postal Service.) The US-based company is just making use of this feature of (USPS) for business purpose. They have also the option for you to print your own picture on US stamps. You pay for the printing cost to the compa...

Modern Hinduism – a new course under which students would examine the rise of Hinduism from colonial period to the present day – has been approved by DePauw University in Greencastle , Indiana . Founded in 1837, DePauw University has a long and proud history of offering a strong liberal arts education to top young scholars from United States and the world. The Hindu reports “The main objective is to “encourage an understanding of the embedded nature of modern Hinduism within the historical matrices of culture, society, politics and economics in South Asia ,” the university said in a statement after the course was approved by its faculty last week by show of hands. Senior Melissa Zimmerman, a religious studies major, said the course is a natural component to the current religious studies class catalogue. “I think it definitely sounds like a useful class. There are modern courses in Islam and Christianity, so why not Hinduism?” she said, adding that the cou...

The Hindu population in the United States is estimated to be between 1.5 million and 2 million people and they come from different parts of the world. Hindu religion is different from the majority religions practiced in United States – Hinduism gives importance to the personal quest of an individual to know the supreme truth, it is not a missionary religion and never practices conversion, it never brings religion to public policy issues and above all it is not monolithic and believes that God exists in all animate and inanimate. The Challenges faced by Hindu Americans Hinduism is the least understood among American religious traditions as the path it follows is different from most world religions - multiplicity of divine names and forms. Transmitting Hindu faith to younger generation in a Christian dominated society. Language to be used in temples during prayers and services. Aggressive conversion campaigns by various Christian organizations. Lack of unity. Mich...

A temple choir which is a rarity in Hinduism is being practiced in United States by Hindus. “ Om ! Ganesha Sharanam!” the choristers sang from the corner of New York Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens , on Ganesh Chaturthi and it marked the beginning of Hindu Temple Choir. Religious Choir is a disciplined group of people that sings as part of a religious ceremony and is mostly associated with Christian prayers in Churches. Choirs are not performed in Hindu Temples. Hindus do sing bhajans in group in temples but it is not choir as it is sung without any proper practice and is sung more out of devotion. Temple Choir is not performed in Hindu religion because Hinduism gives importance to individual worship and an individual can come and visit a temple whenever he/she feels. Hindu Bhajans are mostly solo performances. The auspicious beginning of Hindu Temple Choir was made by about 50 singers at the New York Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens , during the Ganesh Chatu...

A devout Hindu, Rajiv Sriram Srinivasan, aged 23, is a Lieutenant in the United States Army. In an essay competition conducted by Hindu American Foundation, Rajiv shared his thoughts on the identity crises he faced as being a man of Hindu faith believing in the peaceful coexistence of all beings and at the same time the need to patriotically serve United States as an army officer. Rajiv’s essay is highly inspirational and touches the core teachings of Sanatana Dharma. Rajiv is also the founder of the non-profit Beyond Orders that connects soldiers in war zones with NGOs in the United States to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi and Afghani people. Here are some excerpts from the essay of Rajiv Sriram Srinivasan titled My Battle Within: The Identity Crisis of a Hindu Soldier in the US Army. It was selected as the first prize winner in the age 23-28 category of HAF’s competition. As I dawn my body armor, grab my weapon, and prepare to lead my platoon of 32 soldiers...

In 2006, two youngsters for fun destroyed the Hindu Temple at Maple Grove in Minnesota , United States . They broke the idols (murtis), sculptures, windows and more than 100 holes were drilled into the temple walls. The damages were calculated at $300,000 plus the irreparable damage of artworks. Instead of going ahead and punishing the two youngsters, the Hindu community chose the method of love, compassion, accountability and forgiveness. The youngsters who destroyed the temple were not aware of Hinduism and the symbolic value of the idols and sculptures. The Hindu community pleaded for mercy and a suspended sentence for the vandals. By working shoulder to shoulder with these youngsters the Hindu Community succeeded in changing their way of life. Now these young men are much happier, drug free and productive citizen of the society. On June 25, 2009, the temple will be performing a special ceremony to bury the desecrated idols. Bridgette Bornstein writes in wcco.com ...

Article received via e-mail from the organizers of the Hindu Baccalaureate Service. A unique one-of-a-kind in the world Hindu Baccalaureate Service was held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) on Saturday, April 11, 2009, where the graduating students touched the feet of a Swami (monk) to seek his blessings. Attended by Nevada ’s first lady Dawn Gibbons and Provost of UNR Marc Johnson, the Service at this top research university included a bhajan (devotional song) “Radhe Radhe Govinda” by famous performer Jim Eaglesmith and the graduating students chanted after him. Tilak (religious mark) was applied on students’ foreheads and they sought blessings from the burning flame, which was passed around. Organized by acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Indian Student Organization (ISO) at state-supported UNR established in 1864, it started and ended with ‘Gayatri Mantra’ (the most sacred verse from Rig-Veda, oldest scripture of the world composed around 1,500 BCE) recited b...

Anju Bhargava, founder of Asian Indian Women of America, has been nominated as a member of the faith council that will advise the President of the United States on faith-based and other key issues, such as fatherhood and poverty. This particular office in the White House is meant primarily to support faith-based groups, including by helping them get government funding or access to legal guidance about religion-state boundaries. Anju Bhargava is noted for her insightful articles on Hinduism. Sitayanam, a Woman's Journey... of Strength, a contemporary perspective on Goddess Sita from Ramayana, is one of the articles of Anju Bhargava. Anju Bhargava is a graduate of Stella Maris College , Madras University , India and Rutgers University (MBA), with training at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, American University , Kellogg, Graduate School of Management and Dale Carnegie Institute. She has provided thought leadership in the public and private sectors. She has cond...

Sewa International USA is providing a unique opportunity for college students and new college graduates to help others and make an impact locally, nationally and internationally. The project duration varies from one month to six months to fit both the requirements of the volunteer and the project. The opportunities are available in various countries such as India , USA , Guyana and Suriname . The aim of Yuva for Sewa is to put Swami Vivekananda's vision of Sewa into action. The projects of Sew International USA are designed to develop personality, build leadership and team work, empower visionaries and provide experience in helping the community. The projects are available in the following fields: Basic Education, Technical Education, Self Employment, Women Empowerment, Healthcare, Yoga for Better Health, Stress Management and Positive Social Change, Environmental Care, Publicity and Awareness. You can find more details about the project and download application pro...

‘We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers.’ This sentence in the Inaugural Speech of Obama is seen as an acknowledgment of the accomplishments and contributions of Hindu Americans to United States . Vamsee Juluri, Professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco , finds deeper meaning in this gesture, the first by a President of United States of America. Writing in The Huffington Post, Vamsee Juluri sees it as a recognition for whatever good Hinduism has stood for and for whatever good it can continue to do. Excerpts from the article So when Obama included "Hindu" in his address, I saw it as a recognition for whatever good Hinduism has stood for and for whatever good it can continue to do. I saw it as a recognition that was needed, because despite the spread of interest in yoga and spirituality in America , there have also been persistent misconceptions about Hinduism, particularly in the media. Although there h...

The book, Invading the Sacred – An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America published in 2007 attempted to uncover the invisible networks behind a Hindu phobia especially in the American Academy that is systematically undermining core icons and ideals of Hindu culture and thought. A Review of Invading the Sacred: Understanding and Misunderstanding Hindu Tradition explains why the book ‘Invading the Sacred’ signals a new intellectual movement within Hinduism and some of the challenges this new movement will likely face. The review is available in English and Hindi online and is free of charge. A Review of Invading the Sacred: Understanding and Misunderstanding Hindu Tradition is published by The Samprajna Institute – a charitable organization that represents the diverse talents and perspectives of people with extensive experience studying and working with the people of South Asia . The review is by By Krishna Kirti Das and Gaura Keshava Das. The review highlights key sec...